In a promising development for Niger State, Saudi Arabian investors have expressed keen interest in investing in both agriculture and the long-awaited dualization of the Minna-Bida road. This significant news comes on the heels of a high-level negotiation between Niger State Governor Umar Bago and a delegation of Saudi Arabian investors at the Saudi Arabian – Nigeria Roundtable Meeting held in Mecca, led by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Bago highlighted the immense potential for agricultural investment in Niger State, emphasizing its strategic location near the Federal Capital Territory and its abundant water resources for irrigation. The state boasts four functional hydropower dams, a network of streams and water bodies, and access to both the River Niger and River Benue. Additionally, Niger State is a leading producer of shea nuts and paddy rice in Nigeria.
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The governor expressed his optimism about the proposed agricultural investment, stating, “This is a very important opportunity for us to showcase ourselves, which we have done. And we have gotten interested collaborators.”
The Saudi Arabian investors also indicated their willingness to finance the dualization of the Minna-Bida highway, a critical infrastructure project that has been neglected by successive administrations. The current state of the 6-kilometer road is deplorable, causing significant inconvenience and hindering economic activity.
The dualization of the Minna-Bida road is expected to boost transportation efficiency, enhance regional connectivity, and stimulate economic growth in the area. Governor Bago expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Arabian investors for their commitment to Niger State’s development.
The potential influx of Saudi Arabian investment in agriculture and road infrastructure is a welcome development for Niger State, promising to revitalize the state’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens.